• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.8-13
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• 2012

Purpose: Purpose: The free deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap is a popular option for autologous breast reconstruction. However, the anatomy of the deep inferior epigastric artery(DIEA) may vary from one individual to another. Unexpected vascular anomaly can confuse the surgeon and affects on the safety of the free DIEP flap. Materials and Methods: Thirty five consecutive patients who underwent free DIEP/TRAM flap for immediate breast reconstruction between Mar. 2010 and Oct. 2010 were enrolled in this study. Computed tomography angiography (CT angiography) of abdomen was evaluated part of our standard preoperative assessment: atypical patterns of DIEA/DIEP were evaluated by preoperative CT angiography and compared with intraoperative finding. Results: Atypical patterns of DIEA/DIEP which may affect preoperative planning were noted as the following: Circummusclar/subfascial DIEA (n=1), DIEA running underneath rectus muscle (n=8), septocutaneous perforator (n=3), peritoneo-cutaneous perforator (n=1), a large branch going into peritoneum (n=1), and very early division and muscle penetration of DIEA (n=1). Conclusion: Atypical DIEA/DIEP that might change the operation plan is not rare, so the individualized planning based on the preoperative CT angiography is recommended. Preoperative CT angiography could help to select reliable and easy-to-dissect perforator in free DIEP/TRAM breast reconstruction.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.761-766
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• 2009

Purpose: Secondary breast reconstruction is defined as a whole reconstructive procedure to correct complications and to improve the aesthetics when a patient is dissatisfied with her initial reconstruction. We would like to present these particular procedures on previously failed breast reconstruction with analysis of unsatisfactory results. Methods: From June 2002 to August 2008, we performed secondary breast reconstructions for 10 patients with failed breasts. Six patients with implant failure underwent secondary breast reconstructions using free TRAM flaps after the removal of implants. Two patients with partial loss of pedicled TRAM flaps underwent secondary breast reconstruction using Latissimus Dorsi flaps. Two patients with 1 total loss of free TRAM flap and 1 extensive fat necrosis underwent secondary breast reconstruction using implants. Results: The average age of the patients were 36.4 years (26 ~ 47 years). All flaps survived completely and had relatively good aesthetic results in free TRAM cases. There was breast asymmetry in one patient using cohesive gell implants in total loss of previously free TRAM patient, which was corrected by exchanging the implants and placing dermofat grafts. Conclusion: Secondary breast reconstruction differs from primary procedures in several aspects; there are changes in the anatomy and tissue environment of the breasts, and various limitations in choosing reconstruction methods. In addition, the patients may be uncomfortable with previous complication. It is important to consider various factors before deciding to undergo a secondary breast reconstruction carefully with informed consent.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.750-754
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• 2009

Purpose: The thoracodorsal vessels have been the standard recipient vessels for the majority of surgeons performing free abdominal flap breast reconstructions. Recently, the internal mammary vessels have been recommended as the first - choice recipient vessels for microvascular breast reconstruction. To approach the internal mammary vessel, 3rd or 4th rib cartilage excision is needed, but this method has some demerits - vessel injury, post operative pain and post operative chest hollowness. So, authors propose the approach method to the internal mammary vessel through intercostal space without rib cartilage resection. Methods: From November, 2008 to May, 2009, 13 patients underwent free abdominal flap breast reconstruction with approach to the internal mammary vessel through intercostal space without rib cartilage resection. Results: The mean patient age was 41.8 years, and the mean height was 159.3 cm. 11 patients underwent immediate breast reconstruction. Free DIEP flap reconstruction was performed in 7 patients, Free TRAM flap was performed in 5 patients, and Free SIEA flap was performed in 1 patient. Except 1 case, approach to the internal mammary vessel was took through 3rd intercostal space, and all width of intercostal space exceeded 1 cm. Conclusion: In the authors' experience, use of approach to the internal mammary vessels without rib cartilage resection method is safe and reliable to overcome demerits of rib cartilage resection method.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.94-100
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• 2008

In the past decade, there has been increasing breast reconstructions after mastectomy, and the abdomen has been the gold standard for donor site. TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous), MSTRAM (muscle sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous), DIEP (deep inferior epigastric artery perforator), SIEA (superficial inferior epigastric artery) flap has been widely used nowadays. Among them, DIEP free flap spares the whole rectus abdominis muscle and anterior rectus sheath resulting in decreased donor site morbidity. Between March of 2006 and February of 2008, six patients had undergone immediate breast reconstructions using DIEP free flap. The mean age of patients was 48.5 years. All patients had unilateral breast reconstructions. We dissected two perforators which were included in the unilateral pedicle. Thoracodorsal artery and its venae comitantes were chosen as recipient vessels. For venous anastomosis, we used the GEM Microvascular Anastomotic Coupler System (Synovis Micro Companies Alliance, Inc., Birmingham, Ala.) in four cases. All flaps were survived completely except one who showed fatty abdomen in old age. She showed repetitive vascular spasm intraoperatively. None of the patients had abdominal hernia, bulge or weakness. We believe that DIEP free flap provides a reliable method for autologous breast reconstruction if the patients are selected appropriately and performed by a skillful surgeon.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.101-106
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• 2006

Nipple reconstruction is an important step in breast reconstruction after mastectomy. The authors' preferred reconstructive technique is the local C-V flap in case that a small opposite nipple is not adequate for composite graft. This flap produces an excellent reconstruction, but it is not easy to produce an adequate projection and firmness of the nipple. This article describes the technique and experience in nine patients treated over two years with dermis(scar tissue) graft for nipple reconstruction. This is the first report of application of autologous dermis(scar tissue) grafting to reconstruct a nipple primarily after breast mound reconstruction, decreasing the absorption of the reconstructed nipple and increasing the hardness. The dermis(scar tissue) is taken from scar revision and/or dog-ear correction in the second stage operation after free TRAM flap breast reconstruction. And the dermis(scar tissue) graft is inserted vertically between the local flaps and horizontally under the reconstructed nipple base. Between September 2002 and February 2005, nine patients underwent C-V flap with dermis(scar tissue) graft as a part of their nipple reconstruction. The patient's ages ranged from 28 to 55 years old (mean, 41.1 years old). The follow-up period ranged from 5 to 35 months, with an average of 14.5 months. None of the nipples showed skin flap necrosis or local infection, and uneventful wound healing. Our result showed good nipple projection with less absorption and enough firmness. Our experiences shows that dermis(scar tissue) grafts in C-V flap is a very useful method for nipple reconstruction.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.409-414
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• 2010

Purpose: Poland's syndrome encompasses a constellation of congenital chest wall, breast, and upper extremity deformities. We would like to present several techniques, which may be combined if necessary, used to treat the forms involving both the breast and chest wall according to the degree of deformity. Methods: In a retrospective series of 9 patients (3 men and 6 women), we report our experience with reconstructing breast and chest contour deformities associated with Poland syndrome. We recorded their age, gender, the surgical techniques, and the grade in Poland's syndrome according to the classification of Foucras. Results: The breast and chest wall deformities associated with Poland syndrome can be treated in individualized fashion according to the classification of Foucras. In case of 3 male patients with gradeI, II, the latissimus dorsi muscle pedicled flap improved the chest contour deformity. 3 female patients with grade II underwent the latissimus dorsi muscle pedicled flap with breast implant. 2 female patients with gradeIunderwent breast reconstruction with breast implant and fat injection each other. One female patient with severe chest wall deformity (grade III) underwent breast reconstruction using the free TRAM flap. All patients were satisfied with the results without specific complications. Conclusion: The Individualized correction for this syndrome according to the degree of patient's deformity and preference made the overall satisfaction of the patients high.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.140-146
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• 2009

Purpose: Autologous breast reconstruction with abdominal tissue is one of the best options after mastectomy. In a free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous(TRAM) or deep inferior epigastric artery perforator(DIEP) flap, a preoperative evaluation of the precise location of perforating vessels and vascular run - off systems is required. The objective of this report is to demonstrate the usefulness of multidetector computed tomography(MDCT) in the preoperative planning of patients undergoing breast reconstruction with abdominal flap. Methods: From June 2006 to January 2008, 28 patients underwent MDCT evaluation before breast reconstruction. All subjects were females with an age range of 30 to 55 years. The CT scan was performed using a 64 - slice MDCT scanner(Brilliance 64; Philips Medical Systems, Best, Netherlands). Results: One perforator or two major perforators were marked on image in good relation with a hand - held Doppler examination and intraoperative findings. All vascular run - off systems were cleared before operation. Conclusion: Preoperative evaluation of perforator arteries with MDCT angiography is beneficial in patients undergoing breast reconstruction. This technique provides a noninvasive approach of the vascular anatomy of the entire anterior abdominal wall.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.203-206
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• 2008

Objectives：DFSP(Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans) is an uncommon, slowly growing, locally invasive malignant tumor that usually presents as a painless, often long-standing mass arising in the dermis of skin. It occurs most frequently on the trunk and proximal parts of the limbs, less commonly in the head and neck region and has a frequent tendency to recur after surgical excision. Clinically, the initial appearance of the tumor similar to that of benign tumor such as keloid and dermatofibroma. Therefore, accurate clinical diagnosis and adequate surgical excision are important. Materials and Methods：We experienced 6 patients of DFSP in head and neck during the recent 6 years, 5 male and 1 female patients. The age of the patients ranged from 31 to 66. As reconstructive methods, the authors used cervicofacial flap, trapezius musculocutaneous flap, TRAM flap, anterolateral thigh free flap and skin graft. Results：The patients were followed up after operation from 24 to 79 months and all remained free of disease except one case, who occurred at forehead area. Conclusion：We present the experience of 6 cases of DFSP occurred in head and neck. We obtained satisfactory results with appropriate diagnosis and treatment which wide excision with surgical margins 3-5cm. We also present an operative plan of this locally aggressive and highly recurrent tumor.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.231-236
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• 2005

Nowadays breast reconstruction with autologous tissues after radical mastectomy is commonly performed, and a natural inframammary fold in the reconstructed breast is considered to be an essential aspect of symmetrical breast shape and location. Total of 104 patients underwent breast reconstruction with free TRAM flap and formation of inframammary fold with free TRAM breast reconstruction was done in 79 patients. No suture fixation for inframammary fold were done in 19 patients. 27 patients(24.0%) were made of inframammary fold with absorbable suture, 52 patients (50.0%) underwent inframammary fold creation with nonabsorbable suture. There were 4 cases(16.0%) of displacement of reconstructed breast and 2 cases(8.0%) of partial disruption of inframammary fold in the group of no suture. There were 2 cases(7.4%) of displacement of reconstructed breast and 3 cases(11.1%) of partial disruption of inframmamary fold in the fixed group with absorbable suture. There was only 1 case(1.9%) of partial disruption of inframammary fold fixed with nonabsorbable suture group. Therefore, we could speculate that the reinforcement of ligamentous structure for making the definite inframammary fold is necessary, and the area of the inframammary fold should not be undermined in immediate breast reconstruction as much as possible in order to preserve the zone of adherence. If the fold is disrupted during the mastectomy, it should be re-created with the non-absorbable sutures. Nonabsorbable suture fixation seemed to be more stable than absorbable suture. Preoperative marking and design are very important to make the symmetrical shape and location of inframammary fold in both of immediate and delayed reconstruction of breasts.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.47 no.5
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• pp.428-434
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• 2020

Background Three-dimensional (3D) model printing improves visualization of anatomical structures in space compared to two-dimensional (2D) data and creates an exact model of the surgical site that can be used for reference during surgery. There is limited evidence on the effects of using 3D models in microsurgical reconstruction on improving clinical outcomes. Methods A retrospective review of patients undergoing reconstructive breast microsurgery procedures from 2017 to 2019 who received computed tomography angiography (CTA) scans only or with 3D models for preoperative surgical planning were performed. Preoperative decision-making to undergo a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) versus muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (MS-TRAM) flap, as well as whether the decision changed during flap harvest and postoperative complications were tracked based on the preoperative imaging used. In addition, we describe three example cases showing direct application of 3D mold as an accurate model to guide intraoperative dissection in complex microsurgical reconstruction. Results Fifty-eight abdominal-based breast free-flaps performed using conventional CTA were compared with a matched cohort of 58 breast free-flaps performed with 3D model print. There was no flap loss in either group. There was a significant reduction in flap harvest time with use of 3D model (CTA vs. 3D, 117.7±14.2 minutes vs. 109.8±11.6 minutes; P=0.001). In addition, there was no change in preoperative decision on type of flap harvested in all cases in 3D print group (0%), compared with 24.1% change in conventional CTA group. Conclusions Use of 3D print model improves accuracy of preoperative planning and reduces flap harvest time with similar postoperative complications in complex microsurgical reconstruction.